Wave sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Dave, Cave, and Brave are the closest matches by sound. Most share Wave's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"ocean wave, moving water"
"guardian, protector (by extension)"
"handsome, beautiful"
"from the hollow farm"
"fair outlook"
"renowned, famous"
"dark-haired one"
"heavenly, royal, exalted"
"warrior, gift of God"
"crossroads, intersection"
"indivisible, uncuttable"
"brave as a bear, bear strength"
"from Courtenay (place in France)"
"gift of God"
"God will strengthen"
"free spirit, nonconformist"
"flowing river"
"possessor of good; wealthy king"
"oarsman, rower"
"bent grass clearing"
"clever, astute"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Wave — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have English origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Wave.
Rhythm: Wave is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.